Nicholas added: “He proved his point against Chelsea when they had stumbled for so long against Chelsea. He was a big player and scored a goal that day.

“They are at Spurs at the weekend and then after the international break away at Old Trafford.

“These are must-win games where big-time players need to turn up for the big events.”

Nicholas on Arsenal comeback

The Gunners found themselves 2-0 down after early strikes from Jonathan Cafu (12) and Claudiu Keseru (15) but showed excellent character to fight back with goals from Granit Xhaka and Olivier Giroud just before the break.

They then found a way to win in the closing stages thanks to Ozil’s individual brilliance and Nicholas feels the Gunners are going from strength to strength this season.

“Overall, it is a team that, a year ago, would have felt sorry for themselves and felt it was not our night tonight,” the former Arsenal striker said.

“They got knocked back against Sunderland and more than deserved to win. To go 1-1 there and two down tonight, that’s a big change to what has happened at Arsenal.

“I think with the choices in the squad, Aaron Ramsey in the squad and Giroud playing tonight, they are going from strength to strength.”

Arsenal have ‘that swagger’

Ahead of Sunday’s north London derby against Tottenham, Arsenal made five changes to the side that beat Sunderland at the weekend and Nicholas feels the win highlights Arsenal’s strength in depth.

“Arsenal have got that swagger about them,” Nicholas said. “Ozil is in top form, Sanchez and him are knitting together – you have got Giroud fighting too.

“(Theo) Walcott is pushing through with real pace, (Alex) Oxlade-Chamberlain is pushing for his position and Ramsey is back in.

“You are looking at Barcelona’s bench tonight and Real Madrid and Atletico and very few have the strength in depth that Arsenal have, but can they piece it all together and give it their competitive edge? Is this the time?”